Petrol · 2007–2016
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Volkswagen Tiguan 1All about the 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine
The 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Tiguan 1 (2007–2016). In the EU that is 19.3 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.4 122 hp, 1.4 160 hp, 1.4.
The most expensive known risk is increased oil consumption: it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €100–3,000 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, later constant rattle, engine light; the chain can jump and destroy the valves
Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets with the revised (post-10/2011) kit
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on cold start, camshaft position codes, engine light; the chain can jump and damage the engine
Fix: Check chain elongation with diagnostics; replace chain, guides, tensioner and the oil pump drive chain parts; check the camshaft adjuster
Signs: Misfire, low compression on one cylinder, rising oil use, EPC light
Fix: Compression and leak-down test, endoscope check; replace the damaged pistons or the short block; use 98 RON fuel
Signs: Oil level warning between services, blue smoke, sooted plugs
Fix: Measured consumption test; check crankcase ventilation and leaks; on confirmed ring wear new rings or pistons
Signs: EPC light, sudden power loss, boost codes such as P0299 / P334B, rattle from the turbo
Fix: Check the actuator and linkage; free the linkage or fit the VW shim kit, otherwise replace and calibrate the actuator, or the turbo if the flap is worn
Signs: Coolant loss, temperature warning; on the twincharger also weak low-rpm pull or a squeal when the supercharger engages
Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system; replace the water pump (on the twincharger the pump module with the magnetic clutch) and the drive belt
Signs: Rough idle when cold, hesitation, power loss, misfire codes
Fix: Inspect with an endoscope; clean the intake valves mechanically (walnut blasting); fuel additives do not reach the valves
Signs: Knocking or rattling from the front over bumps, vague handling, inspection notes on wheel suspension, springs or dampers.
Fix: Inspect springs for breaks near the lower seat and check bushes and dampers; replace springs and dampers in axle pairs, then do a wheel alignment.
Signs: Juddering or grinding when braking, scored or rusty discs flagged at inspection, sometimes below 30,000 km.
Fix: Replace discs and pads on the axle; clean and lubricate the caliper slides so the new discs wear evenly.
Signs: Parking brake warning light, brake stays on or drags, car will not drive off.
Fix: Read the codes, check battery voltage and the rear caliper motors; replace the faulty caliper motor and reset the system with a diagnostic tool.
Signs: Steering warning light and heavy steering, often after a cold start below zero.
Fix: Read the codes and check battery and earth connections; usually the steering control unit is at fault, sometimes the whole steering rack must be replaced.
Signs: A/C or Climatronic does not respond, wrong temperature or blower settings, no cooling.
Fix: Read the codes and check the control panel and flap motors before condemning the compressor.
Signs: No warning; a loose earth cable on the electric auxiliary heater can overheat and in rare cases start a fire.
Fix: Check the VIN for the July 2008 recall; the dealer secures the earth connection free of charge.
Signs: Starter keeps running or burning smell after start; the switch can overheat.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces the starter solenoid switch free of charge.
Signs: No warning; when the front side airbag fires, metal fragments can hit occupants.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer replaces the side airbag modules free of charge.
Signs: No warning; after a strong jolt the rear door can be opened from inside although the child lock is set.
Fix: Check the VIN for the July 2016 recall; the dealer checks and if needed replaces the rear door locks free of charge.
Signs: No warning; a wrong igniter mixture can stop the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the March 2017 campaign; the dealer replaces the passenger airbag unit free of charge.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Rattle at idle, vibration pulling away
Fix: Replace with clutch
Signs: Gearbox warning, odd or even gears (1-3-5 or 2-4-R) drop out, delayed or wrong shifts, limp mode or no drive
Fix: Diagnose with a dealer-level tester; repair the control unit / solenoids or fit a reconditioned mechatronic unit, change the oil and filter and run the adaptations
Signs: Knock or jerk when shifting down into 3rd or 2nd in traffic, a pause of 1-3 seconds before the car pulls away
Fix: Ask the dealer for the latest gearbox software, change the oil and filter and reset the adaptations; if it persists, have the mechatronic checked
Signs: Delayed or harsh shifts
Fix: Fluid service, repair
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,500–5,550. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Volkswagen Tiguan 1 with the 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ · 90 kW (122 hp) | 8.2 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ · 118 kW (160 hp) | 5.4 % | 2011–2015 | — | — |
| 1.4 Petrol1,390 cm³ | 2.8 % | 2010–2015 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (13). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: increased oil consumption (80,000–200,000 km, €100–3,000); electric power steering fails, mostly in frost (60,000–250,000 km, €300–1,500); turbo wastegate actuator or linkage fault (mainly 1.2 TSI) (60,000–160,000 km, €300–1,200); worn axle mounts, dampers and broken front coil springs (80,000–250,000 km, €200–800).
Chain.
5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km.
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Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026